SSPX Schism Casts Shadow Over Pope Leo’s Historic Visit to France

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a premier Catholic pilgrimage site in the Pyrenees foothills, faces heightened tension ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit this Sunday. The upcoming trip marks the first papal state visit to France in almost 20 years, but it is being marred by an escalating dispute with the ultra-conservative Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).

The conflict intensified in July when the Vatican excommunicated followers of the splinter group who ordained four bishops without papal consent, including two French citizens. In response, the bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes has prohibited SSPX members from organizing their annual Pilgrimage of Christ the King at the sanctuary this October, effectively barring them from using the Basilica of Saint Pius X.

Founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the SSPX emerged as a reaction against the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The group rejects modernized liturgical changes, insisting on Latin Masses where priests face the altar, and opposes concepts such as religious freedom and interfaith dialogue. With an estimated 600,000 members globally, the sect has its largest populations in France and the United States.

Martin Dumont, a Catholicism historian at Sorbonne University, noted that while Pope Leo is known for his pacifist and gentle demeanor, maintaining unity around Vatican II texts remains a priority. Dumont explained that the bishops’ consecration constituted a direct challenge to papal authority, forcing the pontiff to act after warning that such a schismatic act would be a sin of extreme gravity.

The July decree went beyond previous censures by declaring that lay members who formally adhere to the SSPX are also considered schismatic and subject to excommunication. This marks a significant hardening of stance compared to the concessions made by the late Pope Francis, which had allowed SSPX priests to celebrate marriages under certain conditions.

Critics and former members have accused the organization of cult-like practices and sectarian abuse. A recent report by the French Interior Ministry placed the SSPX under surveillance. Additionally, French media investigations have revealed that textbooks in SSPX-run schools have glorified Marshal Philippe Pétain, the leader of the Nazi-allied Vichy regime, and omitted references to the Shoah.

The sect’s political leanings have also drawn scrutiny. Historical ties exist to authoritarian figures, including British bishop Richard Williamson, who denied the Holocaust before being expelled. Last year, a member attempted to celebrate Mass honoring Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and Italian fascist Antonio Primo de Rivera. The July ordination ceremony was attended by members of Italian neofascist groups Forza Nuova and Italia Futura.

While the SSPX previously aligned closely with Jean-Marie Le Pen’s far-right National Front, it has since distanced itself from Marine Le Pen’s rebranded National Rally due to shifts in the party’s positions on abortion and same-sex marriage. According to Dumont, many members now focus more on prayer than partisan politics.

Despite the excommunication, SSPX leaders in France have adopted a conciliatory tone, pledging not to confront the pope during his visit. Father Gonzague Peignot, a senior representative, stated that the Society views the visit as a special honor and is awaiting the Holy Father’s stance on euthanasia and the constitutional enshrinement of abortion rights in France.

Other traditionalist groups will also play a significant role during the papal trip. SOS Calvaires, a group with far-right associations, constructed a four-meter-high cross for the youth prayer vigil at the Stade de France on Friday evening. Meanwhile, SSPX-affiliated traditionalists will have a designated area for the High Mass on the Champs-Elysées on Saturday.